Foul Smelling Fumes With Dangerous Health Risks Wafting From The Yellowstone Oil Spill

A lot of people that both live and work along the banks of the Yellowstone River are reporting concerns about noxious smells coming from the water. People have noticed “a strong odor” along the river, and the backwaters near where the pipeline ruptured, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Yellowstone River oil spill cleanup. Photo courtesy of KLS Broadcasting, Salt Lake City, UT.

“If you are smelling a gas-station-like odor, you may be smelling volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The VOCs in oil are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene,” says the agency. Odors from these chemicals can cause health problems including: headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

If people smell these odors near their homes, they’re advised to immediately close their doors and windows, turn on their air conditioners (set to recirculating mode, if it’s an option), and notify local authorities to find out what other actions they can take. If people are feeling sick in any way from the fumes, they need to be taken to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for treatment.

Also nearby residents need to be cautious of any odd smells or tastes coming from the water they drink, which can also cause symptoms including: headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

In addition, people need to careful of their pet’s water, and make sure that when their pets are outside, that they don’t get into any contaminated areas. Also, if pets get any contaminated water on them, wash it off immediately with soap and water.

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